Parent University

Every other year, the Brentwood School Parents Association hosts Parent University, a conference on a wide range of parenting topics presented by a variety of outstanding guest speakers.

Keynote and breakout sessions are designed to engage both parents and those who work with students in the latest research in parenting topics. Previous sessions have addressed emotional intelligence, building resilience, healthy eating, supporting kids in sports and the college process, dealing with resistance and conflict, and more. This half-day event is open to the public.

Parent University 2023:
Cracking the Code on Anxiety, Pressure, and Purpose

As families emerge from a global pandemic, we find ourselves navigating a more challenging landscape than ever before. From expectations around parenting to changing academic landscapes, parents/guardians, students, and teachers alike are feeling the pressure and looking for answers. With that in mind, please join us as we focus on some very important issues facing families today, starting with understanding the true nature of anxiety, how it affects us, and how to help our kids cut through the stress of performance pressure to find purpose.

Opening Keynote
Why Anxiety is Good for you (Even though it Feels Bad)

Conan O'Brien in conversation with Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary
Confronting the pervasive misunderstanding of anxiety and presenting a powerful new framework.

Breakout Sessions

• Raising Good Humans with Dr. Aliza Pressman
• Social Anxiety: Why Inclusion and Belonging Matter with Carley Dryden and Jason Wang
• How to Create Optimism and Reduce Stress in Our Daily Lives with Dr. Deepika Chopra
• Raising Digitally Resilient Young People with Dr. Erica Pelavin from My Digital Tat2

Closing Keynote
How to Navigate Life: The New Science of Finding Your Way in School, Career, and Beyond

Dr. Belle Liang and Tim Klein
An essential guide to tackling what students, families, and educators can do now to cut through stress and performance pressure and find a path to purpose.